The purpose of the Restorative and Transformative Justice for Youths and Communities Pilot Program is to develop innovative restorative and transformative justice continuums of care that create safe, caring environments to address physical health, mental health and substance use disorder conditions and facilitate healing for youth, families, and communities. This program specifically supports young people being released from a Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) facility and to prevent Trenton youth from entering the youth justice system.

Description:
The Mercer County Department of Human Services, Division of Youth Services, is seeking proposals from eligible applicants (local government and non-profit organizations preferably from the City of Trenton) for the Restorative and Transformative Justice for Youths and Communities Pilot Program. This Juvenile Justice Commission funding, totaling $1,349,900.00, is for the period of Oct. 1, 2023, through November 30, 2024, based on the performance of the lead agency and standards set forth in the County contract. There is a potential to extend this pilot program period through June 30, 2025. The funding for this extension must be covered by the original allocation. The successful organization/agency will be required to work in a collaborative manner with the Mercer County Youth Services Commission and other community partners to provide restorative and transformative justice services that support young people being released from a Juvenile Justice Commission facility and to prevent Trenton youth from entering the youth justice system.

We invite qualified applicants who share our commitment to improving access, independence and opportunities for our youth and families and have extensive experience and expertise in their respective field of service to apply for this funding. Agencies will be required to demonstrate that they have the expertise, experience and resources needed to operate the project being proposed, as well as the ability to work in a collaborative partnership with other organizations and professionals (including grassroot organizations and LLCs). The applicant (Lead Agency) awarded a contract must comply with all State Juvenile Justice Commission quarterly and/or other reporting requirements. Additionally, any organization/agency that will provide a service for which a license is required must be currently licensed by the appropriate licensing authority.

This amount awarded to the successful applicant (Lead Agency) will be for the period beginning Oct. 1, 2023, through November 30, 2024. Proposals will be reviewed and funds awarded under the competitive contracting methodology required by the Local Public Contracts Law (P.L. 1999, C. 440).